The Chicago Red Stars got some good news over the weekend.
Despite falling to the New Jersey/New York Gotham FC 2-0 on Oct. 12, the Red Stars advanced to the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Playoffs. Chicago’s eighth playoff berth in club history was secured with the Washington Spirit’s 4-1 victory over Racing Louisville FC.
Chicago now has the second-most playoff appearances in NWSL history, participating in seven consecutive playoff tournaments between 2015 and 2022. Only the Portland Thorns have more, with nine playoff appearances.
Goalie and team captain Alyssa Naeher advances to playoffs for the sixth time in her career—all with the Red Stars. Despite a relatively young roster, 12 Red Stars, including Naeher, have previous playoff experience: Camryn Biegalski, Ava Cook, Chardonnay Curran, Sarah Griffith, Shea Groom, Natalia Kuikka, Tatumn Milazzo, Cari Roccaro, Sydney Schneider, Sam Staab and Mallory Swanson.
The 2024 NWSL Playoffs begin Nov. 9, with the top four seeds—the Kansas City Current, New Jersey/New York Gotham FC, Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit—hosting quarterfinal matches. Quarterfinal winners advance to the semifinal round Nov. 16-17 before the 2024 NWSL Championship will be held Nov. 23 at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
As for the Red Stars final two matches of the regular season, Chicago’s final regular-season road trip takes the team to the nation’s capital on Oct. 20 to face off against the Spirit at 4 p.m. CT at Audi Field. Chicago then returns to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. CT to host the Current. Tickets to the Nov. 3 She Inspires Me match, presented by RUSH Hospital, can be purchased at ChicagoRedStars.com/tickets.